Team Dark or Team Light Neutrals

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Team Dark or Team Light Neutrals

— by Angie

on January 6, 2015

You are on Team Dark Neutrals if you prefer wearing black, ink blue, navy, charcoal, dark olive, chocolate brown and dark denim. You are on Team Light Neutral if you prefer wearing shades of white, taupe, tan, light olive, light grey, cognac and faded blue denim.

I’m sitting this one out on the bench with left over Christmas stollen and tea because I cannot pick a side. I enjoy wearing shades of white and faded blue denim just as much as I enjoy wearing black. Ink blue is also close to my heart, and I enjoy wearing ink blue with black and white. And bright cognac has become a new favourite when worn as an accent.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Dark or Team Light Neutrals? Tell us why. No batting for both teams, but feel free to join me on the bench.

Colour · Team X Team Y

74 comments · Add a comment

Forum conversations about this post

WIW: the last from 2014 — by Sveta

catgirl

Veteran

Well, I am not only the first comment for a change, but probably the most certain in saying that I bat for Team Dark Neutrals all the way.

January 6, 2015 at 2:23 pm

catgirl

Veteran

Oh, and that’s because they suit my coloring, tastes and lifestyle, don’t show stains as easily (because I’m RATE and tend to be hard on clothes), and are easier to find in winter weights.

January 6, 2015 at 2:24 pm

Diana

Veteran

Team dark neutrals 100%. They are totally effortless for me.

January 6, 2015 at 2:35 pm

Tanya

Veteran

I will join you on the bench Angie with some freshly baked scones. I wear lots of black, charcoal, ink and navy on one side; and then white, cream, taupe and light grey on the other. I also wear all possible shades of denim.

January 6, 2015 at 2:38 pm

Aziraphale

Veteran

I like them both, but if I have to pick a side, I’d have to go with dark neutrals. (To your complete lack of surprise, I imagine).

January 6, 2015 at 2:45 pm

Gaylene

Veteran

This one is easy. Dark neutrals for 90% of the year, with a brief fling with white in the midst of summer. Although I do love the look of a floaty black dress and sandals on a summer evening…

January 6, 2015 at 2:46 pm

Jem

Veteran

Definitely dark for me.

January 6, 2015 at 2:50 pm

Thistle

Veteran

Team dark all the way!

January 6, 2015 at 2:50 pm

ElleH

Veteran

I’m on the bench these days. Before YLF I was on the dark neutral side because I look better in them. Perhaps due to my dark hair. I really like mixing both as I think high contrast suits me best too, like my dark hair & light skin.

January 6, 2015 at 2:52 pm

deb

Veteran

Bench me with some tea. I wear all the colors except the brown shades, light or dark.

January 6, 2015 at 2:56 pm

Gigi

Veteran

Definitely on the bench for this one. My main method to my style madness is to always combine a dark neutral with a light one; I really enjoy high-contrast dressing.

January 6, 2015 at 2:57 pm

gryffin

Veteran

Princess of Darkness because black makes my heart sing!!

January 6, 2015 at 2:58 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Team Dark Neutrals takes the lead. Welcome to Team Bench Tanya and Deb. Lots of yummies for us all round.

January 6, 2015 at 3:01 pm

Joy

Veteran

I’ll join the bench. I’m moving toward more light neutrals but still like chocolate, black, ink and midnight blue and charcoal.

January 6, 2015 at 3:03 pm

merwoman

Veteran

As much as I would love to join you all on the bench, I am team light neutrals all the way! Yes there is a bit of black in my wardrobe and dark denim, but grey, white, cream and faded blue make my heart smile!

January 6, 2015 at 3:08 pm

I guess that means I’m sitting on the bench with this one. Both all-darks and all-lights can be subtly powerful. For that reason, I rarely mix my darks and lights together – unless I’m going for a monochromatic look where I wear many shades of a particular color.

January 6, 2015 at 3:17 pm

Ruth M

Active Member

Team Dark Neutrals in winter, and Team Light Neutrals in summer (with the exception of navy, which I wear year round). I’ve never even thought about why until you posed the question, and I think it must be out of habit and lack of imagination. So now I’m thinking I should try them in reverse – darks in summer and lights in winter. Can I join you all on the bench while I think about this please, Angie?

January 6, 2015 at 3:20 pm

marykath

Active Member

At first, for some reason, I thought I’d have to bench myself. But thinking about my wardrobe and taking a look in my closet, I realize that I’m a member of Team Dark Neutrals. That said, I love bright and high contrast accents in accessories.

January 6, 2015 at 3:22 pm

Dimity

Active Member

Dark neutrals for me. Somehow, I always feel a little bit frumpy in light neutrals, especially tops. I feel sleek and sophisticated in dark neutrals.

January 6, 2015 at 3:25 pm

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Team Dark although I enjoy the lighter colors too.

January 6, 2015 at 3:27 pm

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Think I have to join you on the bench ladies. Although I wear a ton of black and love it, I also wear a fair bit of white. I’ll bring fresh blackberry jam for the scones.

January 6, 2015 at 3:31 pm

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Joining you on the bench and I hope there is enough stollen! (Love that stuff….)

Like Ruth, I do tend to wear more light neutrals in warm weather and more dark neutrals in colder weather, but that is largely because of what is available in the fabrications I need.

The one exception is black tops or toppers — I actually prefer to wear black with skin showing so that means I wear slightly more of it in summer. Although I do own a black jacket and a black turtleneck that are fall/ winter wear.

January 6, 2015 at 3:37 pm

Louise

Veteran

Team dark for me, I struggle to keep lights clean! x

January 6, 2015 at 3:40 pm

lisap

I’m a starter on Team Dark.

January 6, 2015 at 3:56 pm

Jamie

Veteran

Bench me – I wear and enjoy both! I also love Stollen!

January 6, 2015 at 4:03 pm

Style Fan

Veteran

I had to add up the colours for each Team. I wear black, dark olive, chocolate and dark denim. I wear tan (is that camel?), light olive, cognac and faded denim. I do wear a lot of chocolate, both olives and faded denim. I can’t decide. I am on the bench.

January 6, 2015 at 4:32 pm

DonnaF

Veteran

Team Dark Neutrals!!! However, I can imagine down the road if my now charcoal hair turns really silver, I may switch to Team Light Neutrals.

January 6, 2015 at 4:43 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Team Dark. But I’m trying very hard to reach the bench, trying to add more light.

January 6, 2015 at 4:49 pm

Eliza

Veteran

Thanks to YLF I must take the bench. A few years ago, I was dark neutrals all the way. Now I enjoy wearing whites and creams, sometimes head to toe. I don’t want to forfeit ink, black, and grays in my wardrobe, yet now would miss the lighter colors that were previously absent.

Fun question.

January 6, 2015 at 4:50 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay. We have a supporter for Team Light Neutrals. Merwoman, you are Captain.

Plenty of room on the bench, ladies.

January 6, 2015 at 5:09 pm

anne

Veteran

Bench in theory as I am really enjoying adding white. But numbers-wise I suspect dark wins

January 6, 2015 at 5:57 pm

Sarah

Team dark neutrals. I especially like black and ink blue, even in the spring and summer. With that being said, I’d like to start incorporating a few lighter neutrals into my repertoire, just for some variety.

January 6, 2015 at 6:14 pm

Jjsloane

Veteran

If I had to chose it would be light neutrals. I wear navy/ink/black for work mostly because it’s appropriate and workwear is most often in dark neutrals. If I didn’t think people would think I’m in a cult or something I’d wear a whiteout as much as possible.

January 6, 2015 at 6:16 pm

Elly

Veteran

Dark neutrals, although I’m gradually gaining appreciation for lighter colors. But still, black is my BFF.

January 6, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think I am on the bench. I do love dark blues, greys and black but bright white is actually one of my best colors.

January 6, 2015 at 7:06 pm

Staysfit

Veteran

I’m joining team light. I can’t say I always dress that way, but that’s the way my wardrobe is headed. Darks are fading away from my wardrobe, and I’m sticking with mid rang to light gray, white, taupe, and mid to light denim.

January 6, 2015 at 7:20 pm

Nebraskim

Veteran

Dark neutrals with the disclaimer that I love and wear tons of crisp white shirts with them, so maybe I’m Team High Contrast.

January 6, 2015 at 7:27 pm

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Bench for me too! Cream and white are as essential for me as black and navy. Tea time!

January 6, 2015 at 7:27 pm

amiable

Veteran

I’m on team Dark, I think. In my mind, at least, they suit my mid-contrast coloring better. But I do like light neutrals (especially light gray and blush, cream and white) quite well. Hmmm.. I might be benched. I’m not sure.

January 6, 2015 at 7:27 pm

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Team Dark. I like white, light grey, and light blue, but I find the darker tones so much easier to wear. Like others have mentioned, my neutrals do lighten up a bit in summer.

January 6, 2015 at 7:35 pm

Windchime

Veteran

It’s funny; in theory I like the idea of light neutrals. I know it’s because I associate them with spring and summer. But in reality I wear mostly dark neutrals–black, navy blue, and slate grey. I’m going to add another 2015 style goal–to wear more light neutrals.

January 6, 2015 at 7:42 pm

Debbie

Veteran

Bench me. I bat for both teams.

January 6, 2015 at 7:43 pm

Meredith

Veteran

I’m team light neutrals, at least for this season. After years of relying on black I’m enjoying light gray and faded denim.

January 6, 2015 at 8:26 pm

Beth Ann

Veteran

The dark side for me! With light olive skin and dark hair, I like medium to high contrast. Still, one of my goals has been to lighten up a bit, and I rarely wear all black anymore. And I must have a pair of white jeans in my closet!

January 6, 2015 at 9:10 pm

jennifer

Veteran

I love both , but practically speaking as far as wearing and numbers count?.. Team Dark Side.(Am I revealling my inner sci-fi geek? I got three Star Wars tees this past year.)
I do love light neutrals but I’m often designated Freight Break-Downer at work ( grubby boxes). Also I have three cats (the eldest is pictured in my avatar )and a year old , chocolate Lab puppy who still thinks he’s a lap dog even though he’s probably 70 pounds or more ( his mum and grandpa were big for Labs , Charlie apparently takes after his mum’s side, he’s still filling out.)
I’ll wear flares or bootcuts in rainy weather but I tend to save the white ones for dry weather. Season isn’t a factor however. I like white jeans for contrast with fall colors and for ” walking in a winter wonderland ” whiteout looks with silvers ,golds ,and winter whites layered with pure white.
One of my most FAB and complimented colour combos is chocolate brown and dark wash denim. I tend to spend a lot of time in medium to dark denim paired with chocolate, black or charcoal as a fast fall back ( FFB) . It works . I look and feel pretty good/ great( depending on grooming and accessories).

January 6, 2015 at 11:11 pm

Diane G

I actually think I’m going to have to join you on the bench Angie, as I have been wearing a little of both lately, though I do slightly prefer lighter tones. Anyway, I adore Stollen, so would you pass the plate please?

January 7, 2015 at 1:16 am

Lollipop

I agree with alaskagirl: no visible stain. Plus I look like a sick vampire leaving my cellar for the first time in white… I love the impression of all-white outfits, but it’s not for me !

January 7, 2015 at 1:47 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

My wardrobe can’t function without white, cream, faded blue denim, dark denim, ink blue and navy, so I am benching myself.
Stollen, yum!-)

January 7, 2015 at 2:36 am

crutcher

Veteran

Darth Vader here…I am so into the dark neutrals…I am a winter in color and look unbaked in light colors…Give me a ink, black…yum, chocolate brown, dark denim, etc. and I am happy..The world is too as I don’t look like I am washed out…

January 7, 2015 at 2:55 am

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

On the bench, scarfing up baklava at an alarming rate

January 7, 2015 at 3:26 am

Olivegreen

Active Member

Black and chocolate brown for serious events. Put together with whites or rich dark purples. High contrast and crisp, classic and modern. Medium heel, dark black or brown, professional.
But am seldom serious, so it is mostly light to medium intensity neutrals, khaki browns and greens and faded blues are what I reach for, especially after letting hair go grey. They feel restful and talk quietly to each other in a hot climate.

January 7, 2015 at 5:05 am

Laura Botha

Active Member

Team Dark for me! But would love to add a white jean to my repertoire…

January 7, 2015 at 5:08 am

Alassë

Veteran

I’m benched – I was going to say Dark Neutrals, but you included cognac under Light Neutrals.

January 7, 2015 at 5:26 am

Dekaf4me

Active Member

First time with no hesitation…team dark all the way! Love, love high contrast!

January 7, 2015 at 5:48 am

bettycrocker

Team Dark Neutrals

January 7, 2015 at 6:40 am

Banoffi

Veteran

I’m on Team Dark Neutrals!

January 7, 2015 at 7:06 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Team Dark takes the lead by a long shot. WOW. Although I am not surprised.

Tean Bench is hotting up though. A surprise. Two pieces of stollen for you, Diane. xo

January 7, 2015 at 7:18 am

Barbara

I prefer lighter colors but unfortunately they just don’t flatter me. I have pale skin, ash blonde hair and very dark eyes…light colors near my face just wash me out and make my eyes stand out like two big black holes. (almost skeletal!) So I wear more darks near my face, black is especially flattering although it doesn’t sound like it would be. So I guess I’m Team Light at heart but Team Dark in reality.

January 7, 2015 at 7:36 am

Catnip

Veteran

Definitely Team Dark, although usually not right next to my face. I do wear some white in the middle of the summer. Alas, stollen isn’t on my 2015 diet.

January 7, 2015 at 7:45 am

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

On the bench – I love wearing all the neutrals. I like wearing all light neutrals together or darks and lights together.

January 7, 2015 at 8:24 am

Kirstjen

Veteran

I am definitely on Team Dark, specifically black, dark gray & occasional inky blue.

January 7, 2015 at 8:25 am

gardenchick

Veteran

Can I join you on the bench? I love those light neutrals but between practicality and warmth, I actually end up in the dark neutrals much of the fall and winter. Need to work on this!

January 7, 2015 at 8:53 am

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I love white and cream, but I have to say I’m definitely Team Noir. My UWP shadow persona wouldn’t have it any other way.

January 7, 2015 at 9:27 am

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I thought dark at first, but then considered my summer wardrobe and there aren’t many dark neutrals in it, so I think I’m benched.

January 7, 2015 at 9:58 am

Jill N.

Active Member

Like goldenpig, I also love white and cream, but on other people! Being blonde and pale, I just feel invisible when I try to wear these. So I am definitely Team Dark. I want to experiment with more light neutrals, using your examples, Angie

January 7, 2015 at 10:13 am

Lyn D.

Veteran

Dark neutrals for me!
Faves are navy and dark grey.

January 7, 2015 at 12:35 pm

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. My suits are dark, but my less tailored stuff light. And right now, I’m definitely doing light, faded blues, peaches, greys when it comes to bottoms. Overall, tho, I think I can say I’m on Team Dark. I make even Easter pastels morose and funereal. Lol.

January 7, 2015 at 1:56 pm

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Team dark here. I don’t think I’ve ever gone all light without having a dark in there.

January 7, 2015 at 2:12 pm

Rebecca Mielke

Active Member

If I could only wear one color, it would be white. I guess that makes me team light neutrals. It is really easy to end up with too many darks in the wardrobe, just cuz they are easier to come by. I always try to stock up on light gray (to wear with white or color) and metallics when I find them.

January 7, 2015 at 2:26 pm

Deborah

Veteran

Don’t even have to think about this one, as I sit typing wearing all black in the high summer Team Darker than Dark:)

January 7, 2015 at 2:28 pm

Angela K

Veteran

Bench me please! But I must admit I am wearing black,white and red today, with a touch of leopard!

January 7, 2015 at 2:59 pm

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Wow. This is hard. I would like to say bench me… But I have to go with dark. Although I am loving playing with whites (recently) the lighter neutrals collectively don’t look as good with my hair and coloring. Lighter colors, yes, but lighter neutrals not so much. The dark neutrals are simply more flattering on me (in my opinion).

January 7, 2015 at 6:25 pm

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Team Dark here, pretty much for all the same reasons Una listed

January 7, 2015 at 6:31 pm

qfbrenda

Veteran

I’m definitely on Team Dark. The only light neutral I wear is white, and usually white for me is an accent color in a graphic pattern. And I wear white jeans. But beyond that, darks are my deal.

January 8, 2015 at 10:49 am

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